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Periodic limb movement disorder is a condition characterized by repetitive movements of the limbs during sleep.

It is the only movement disorder that occurs during sleep and, as such, is considered to be a sleep disorder as well.

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) can occur at any stage of life. It is most commonly diagnosed in middle age and older adulthood, though many people report having had symptoms since childhood.

What is PLMD?

PLMD only occurs during sleep and is therefore considered to be a sleep disorder.

PLMD typically involves a twitching, jerking, or flexing of the limbs during sleep, most frequently during periods of light, non-REM sleep. These movements usually occur in the lower limbs, such as the hip, knee, and ankle, but some people may experience movement in their arms.

Movements tend to be rhythmic, occurring approximately every 20 to 40 seconds. However, limb movements and their frequency can vary significantly from night to night, and from person to person.

People with PLMD are usually unaware of their condition, and it is most often their bed partners that report the limb movements. However, those with PLMD may awaken several times during the night, and experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

One of the risk factors associated with PLMD is age. It is more common in older adults, and up to 34 percent of people over 60 may have it. RLS, however, affects women twice as often as men. PLMD affects both sexes equally.

Symptoms and complications

Some people with PLMD may not even notice their condition, but the symptoms can keep bed partners awake.

The main symptom associated with PLMD is a repetitive movement of the limbs during sleep.

For the majority of people, these symptoms do not cause distress, although they may cause problems for bed partners.

The complications that arise from the disorder, however, can be problematic for people with PLMD. These include:

Diagnosis

PLMD is diagnosed primarily based on an overnight polysomnogram (PSG), a type of test carried out in a sleep laboratory. However, before a PSG, a doctor may carry out a physical examination to rule out other conditions.

Physical examination

A doctor will carry out a thorough physical examination to check whether there is an underlying cause of the sleep problem. The doctor will also take a full medical history and ask about medications, family medical history, and lifestyle factors.

The doctor may request blood tests to detect anemia, other deficiencies, and infections related to PLMD. These tests may also identify any problems with thyroid function and magnesium levels. A urine sample can detect traces of drugs that contribute to sleep problems.

People experiencing symptoms of PLMD may want to complete a sleep diary for 14 days before the physical examination. This diary should detail sleeping patterns, associated symptoms, such as fatigue and daytime sleepiness, and their effects on daily life.

Polysomnogram (PSG)

A PSG records sleep, breathing, movement, and other bioelectrical signals, including brain waves and heartbeat, during sleep. This test helps to rule out the presence of other conditions that may be causing disrupted sleep and excessive limb movements.

After a PSG, a neurologist may be asked to check for other neurological issues or to confirm the diagnosis of PLMD.

In some cases, doctors may recommend additional tests in a sleep laboratory.

Treatment and coping

Treatment might improve symptoms of PLMD, but it does not usually cure the disorder, particularly if it is primary PLMD, which has no known cause.

If the movements associated with PLMD do not significantly disturb sleep or impact on daily life or relationships, treatment is not necessary.

PLMD that causes issues can be treated in the following ways:

Caffeine avoidance

Coffee and chocolate contain caffeine, which can make PLMD symptoms worse.

Foods and drinks that contain caffeine should be avoided as they can exacerbate PLMD symptoms and disrupt sleep.

Medications

There are several medications available to treat PLMD. They work by reducing or eliminating the limb movements or by enabling the person to sleep through the movements.

Many of the medications used to treat PLMD are also used for RLS. They include:

Dopamine agonists: These agents are usually the first line drug treatment for PLMD. They increase the levels of dopamine, a brain chemical which helps to regulate the movement of muscles.

Benzodiazepines: These drugs may be used for PLMD, though some people avoid using them because of concerns about addiction. They act as sedatives, which enable an individual to sleep through the limb movements, and they help to suppress muscle contractions.

Anticonvulsant agents: These are used to reduce muscle contractions.

GABA agonists: These medications inhibit the release of some brain chemicals, helping to reduce muscle contractions.

Outlook

Primary PLMD may be chronic in nature, meaning people with the condition will have it for life. However, they often experience periods of remission where symptoms cease, although relapses can occur from time to time.

Secondary PLMD can be resolved by treating the underlying medical condition or changing medications.

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